Learning objectives
Students should be able to:
- list the requirements of a well-crafted hypothesis
- formulate a well-crafted research question and hypothesis based on
an observation
- describe the differences between a manipulative experiment and an
observational study
- identify independent and dependent variables in an experimental or
observational study
- identify experimental and control treatments in an experimental
study
- identify natural “experimental” and “control” treatments in an
observational study
Resources
- Slides
01. Scientific inquiry
- Milroy p 3-16 Ch 1: The foundations of scientific inquiry (slides
and learning objectives are largely based on this chapter)
- Papers that go into greater depth on observational vs. experimental
ecology (optional)
Lesson plan
1. Introductions
- Share name & preferred pronouns, major(s)/minor(s), something
fun or interesting you did this summer.
- In groups: What is field research? Why do we do it? What are your
research interests and why?
2. Course logistics
- Course website url:https://mrne392.github.io/website/.
Bookmark this link - it has everything you need for the class.
- The syllabus
contains information on assessment and class policies.
- The schedule is
our master organizer. All assignments, slides, lab exercises, etc. are
linked here by date.
3. Intro to field research and scientific inquiry